Five types of dogs are banned in the UK, and the government says owning them is against the law. The official Gov.uk list states that XL Bully dogs are now banned in England and Wales.
Which dogs are banned in the UK?
The banned dogs are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and the XL Bully.
It is against the law to sell a banned dog, abandon a banned dog, give away a banned dog, or breed from a banned dog.
How the law decides if a dog is banned
Whether a dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name. For example, if a dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type.
If you have a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if it is not acting dangerously or there has not been a complaint. The police may need permission from a court to do this.
Seizure rules and court process
If your dog is in a public place, the police do not need a warrant. If it is in a private place, the police must get a warrant. If it is in a private place and the police have a warrant for something else, such as a drugs search, they can seize your dog.
A police or council dog expert will judge what type of dog you have and whether it is, or could be, a danger to the public. Your dog will then either be released or kept in kennels while the police or council apply to a court.
You are not allowed to visit your dog while you wait for the court decision. You can give up ownership of your dog, but you cannot be forced to. If you do, your dog could be destroyed without you even going to court. If you have a valid Certificate of Exemption for your dog and it has not been acting dangerously, you may be able to keep it.
New rules on children and microchipping
From November 1 2026, you must not leave a child under 12 in close contact with a banned dog in a private place, such as a home or garden, without adult supervision.
All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by the time they are 8 weeks old. You can be fined up to £500 if your dog or cat is not microchipped when they need to be. If you have a dog, it must still wear a collar and tag with your name and address when in a public place.
